How to Communicate About the Death of a Co-Worker to Your Team
When a co-worker dies, it's natural to experience grief. If the death was anticipated, it softens the blow a bit. However, it's not easy to explain a death that's unexpected, or tragic. Relaying the news to the rest of your team can be difficult. An important thing to remember when breaking the news is that you are human, and your team is human. It's important to allow yourself to feel emotions, instead of hiding them. Permitting yourself to be human helps you through the grieving process.
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Instructions
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Tell the team that you have some tragic news to share, concerning one of the team-mates. Explain that the co-worker passed away. If you have the details of the death, you can share what happened.
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Explain how the co-worker was a valuable part of the team. Mention how the employee will be missed.
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Allow yourself and the team members to react to the death. It's okay to shed tears.
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Inform the team about the funeral arrangements for the co-worker. If there is an address to send condolences and words of encouragement to the grieving family, provide the address.
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Ask the team to contribute to the purchase of a sympathy card and flowers for the family members that are left behind.
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Advise the team members of any courtesy counseling that may be available to them while grieving the death of the co-worker.
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